Vikings quarter back Christian Ponder scambles out of the pocket for a short gain during the first quarter of the Minnesota Vikings game against the Houston Texans on Thursday, September 1, 2011 at the Metrodome in Minneapolis.The Vikings won 28-0. (Pioneer Press: John Autey)

If the Vikings (0-2) lose to the favored Detroit Lions (2-0) on Sunday at the Metrodome, it would seem the team has to at least consider expediting the Christian Ponder era in Minnesota.

If the Vikings also lose the following week to the lowly Chiefs (0-2) in Kansas City, it certainly would be time for Ponder to develop as a quarterback in games, not in practices.

Clearly, the Vikings are rebuilding and not headed to the playoffs for a second straight season.

Starting Ponder would mean benching veteran Donovan McNabb, whom the Vikings are paying $5.05 million this season. But it would better prepare this year’s first-round draft pick for next season, when he’ll take over for sure.

This season already appears wasted for the Vikings. Why not turn the QB job over to Ponder, ensure a high draft pick for next season and continue to rebuild?

This isn’t to say McNabb is the Vikings’ problem. There are several problems, primarily on the offensive line, in the secondary and among wide receivers. But if you’re not going to win with McNabb, why not develop Ponder?

Certainly Ponder will take his lumps. But at least he’ll be able to learn through experience.

Defensive tackle Kevin Williams will return from his two-game NFL suspension for the Detroit game, but don’t expect that to be enough for the Vikings to win.

Interesting note about Detroit QB Matthew Stafford: He has thrown seven TD passes in his first two games, the first Lions quarterback to do that since Milt Plum in 1962.

Don’t blame the Vikings for not re-signing free-agent receiver Sidney Rice, who still hasn’t played for the Seattle Seahawks (shoulder injury) despite receiving a $41 million, five-year contract. The Vikings’ problem was not signing an adequate replacement for Rice.

The Vikings will need to find a wide receiver next season who can increase Ponder’s chances for success.

After two games for the Denver Broncos, former Gopher Eric Decker leads the team’s receivers with eight catches for 166 yards and two touchdowns. The 2009 third-round draft pick, whom the Vikings passed on, also has averaged 25.6 yards returning five punts.

One local broker said upper-level tickets for Sunday’s Vikings-Tampa Bay at the Metrodome were selling for $5, lower-level tickets for $20.

Nice move: Cleveland Indians closer Chris Perez gave his glove to a young spectator at Sunday’s game against the Twins at Target Field.

The 2-0 North Dakota State football team, which plays the 1-2 Gophers on Saturday evening at TCF Bank Stadium, has 36 Minnesotans among its 99 players, including four of its five starting offensive linemen. Leading the way is 6-foot-6, 309-pound right tackle Paul Cornick from Orono.

The Bison are No. 6-ranked in the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision and are 1-1 against Minnesota since 2006.

Jim Carter, Tom Idstrom, Rob McGarry, Roy Wallin and Jerry Keenan will be honored at the 40th Minnesota Old Timers Football Hall of Fame banquet Tuesday at the Prom in Oakdale. George Thole will emcee.

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